If you’ve ever yearned for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth treat that instantly transports you back to cozy kitchen mornings, then you’re in for a real delight with Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe. These doughnuts bring together the nostalgic charm of classic fried cake doughnuts with the warm, inviting flavors of buttermilk and nutmeg, creating a golden, fluffy bite that’s just begging to be dunked in a cup of coffee or shared with loved ones. Whether you dust them with powdered sugar or coat them in cinnamon sugar, each doughnut feels like a hug from the past, reminding us all why some recipes never go out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe lies in how straightforward and wholesome the ingredients are. Nothing too fancy, but each component plays an essential role in giving these doughnuts their tender crumb, perfect rise, and that unmistakable old-fashioned flavor.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the doughnuts structure.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Provides the gentle lift for a light, airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for a balanced rise and softness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite more vibrant.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds that signature warm spice that’s a hallmark of traditional doughnuts.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to richness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Brings moisture and the tangy note that balances sweetness perfectly.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor profile with warmth and depth.
- Vegetable oil for frying: The key to achieving that crispy exterior.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): A light, sweet finish that melts on contact.
- ½ cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for coating): Creates a crunchy, aromatic crust full of personality.
How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg together in a medium bowl. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed for a consistent rise and blends the warm spice seamlessly throughout the dough.
Step 2: Beat Sugar and Eggs
In a larger bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is crucial because incorporating air early on helps give your doughnuts that light texture that’s not too dense or heavy.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Stir in the buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract into your fluffy sugar and egg mixture. The buttermilk’s tanginess balances the sweetness, the butter deepens the richness, and the vanilla rounds out the flavor for a truly nostalgic bite.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough; a tender dough is the secret to tender doughnuts. Once combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for about an hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough for easier rolling and cuts true to size.
Step 5: Cut Your Doughnuts
On a well-floured surface, roll out your chilled dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters—a larger one for the doughnut shape and a smaller one to cut out the centers. The uniform thickness ensures even frying and that perfect golden crust.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Fry your doughnuts in batches, cooking each side for 1 to 2 minutes or until deeply golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pot as this drops the oil temperature and affects texture. Remove doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep them crisp.
Step 7: Add Your Favorite Coating
While still warm, dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar or roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Each coating offers a delightful twist—powdered sugar for that classic, delicate sweetness and cinnamon sugar for a spiced crunch.
How to Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered or cinnamon sugar highlights these doughnuts’ rustic charm beautifully. For a special occasion, try drizzling warm chocolate glaze or a honey glaze to add an extra layer of indulgence that still respects the homemade spirit of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts are fantastic on their own but shine even brighter when paired with fresh fruit like juicy berries or sliced apples. A hot cup of coffee, a bold black tea, or even a creamy hot chocolate complements the warmth and sweetness of the doughnuts perfectly, making any breakfast or dessert moment magical.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these doughnuts on a tiered cake stand at brunch or sprinkle colorful nonpareils over the cinnamon sugar coating for a nostalgic, festive touch. You can even slice them in half and stuff with jam or custard for a playful take on a doughnut sandwich that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the doughnuts soft and fresh without losing their tender crumb or rich flavor.
Freezing
To enjoy Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe anytime, freeze them after they’ve completely cooled. Wrap each doughnut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick sweet fix later.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored doughnuts by warming them in a preheated 325°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps the exterior crisp while heating the inside through without drying them out. Avoid microwaving to preserve their classic texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk is key for the tender crumb and slight tang in Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe, you can substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This mimics buttermilk’s acidity nicely.
What’s the best oil to use for frying doughnuts?
Vegetable oil works best due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing your doughnuts’ buttery and spiced notes to shine through without any overpowering aftertaste.
Why is chilling the dough important?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll and cut into shapes, and helps prevent the doughnuts from puffing up too much or losing their shape during frying.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
While baking is a healthier alternative, these doughnuts really get their signature crisp exterior and tender inside from frying. That said, you can bake them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes for a cakier version, but it’s a different experience than the true Old-Fashioned style.
How do I prevent the doughnuts from being greasy?
Maintaining the oil temperature at a steady 350°F is key. Too cool oil causes the doughnuts to absorb more oil, resulting in greasiness. Also, fry in small batches to avoid lowering the temperature significantly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe that goes beyond just the delicious flavors—it’s the feeling of tradition, comfort, and love in each bite. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and experience firsthand the magic of these doughnuts. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Doughnuts are a nostalgic treat featuring a soft buttermilk dough fried to golden perfection. These classic American doughnuts are lightly spiced with nutmeg and can be dusted with powdered sugar or rolled in cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they deliver a tender, fluffy texture with a delicate crispness on the outside.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying and Coating
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2–3 inches deep in pot)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- ½ cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, which helps add air and lightness to the dough. Then stir in buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 1 hour to firm up, which makes it easier to roll and cut.
- Roll and cut doughnuts: Lightly flour a work surface and roll the chilled dough to about ½-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two round cutters (a larger one for the outer shape and a smaller one for the hole) to cut out doughnuts and doughnut holes.
- Heat oil for frying: In a heavy pot, pour 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the constant temperature which is crucial for evenly cooked doughnuts that are not greasy.
- Fry doughnuts: Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil a few at a time to avoid overcrowding, frying each side for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them once cooked, and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Coat and serve: While still warm, dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar or roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture, depending on your preference. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the frying oil to keep the doughnuts light and crisp instead of soggy or oily.
- For best texture and flavor, serve the doughnuts the same day they are made.
- You can reheat leftover doughnuts briefly in a warm oven to refresh their crust.
- Use fresh buttermilk and keep the oil temperature consistent for optimal results.
